Japan doctor-turned-author moots amputations to ease care crunch

A provocative idea from a doctor-turned-author suggests a radical solution to Japan's escalating elder care crisis: amputating the useless limbs of elderly patients. Yo Kusakabe, the author of the novel "Haiyoshin (Useless Body)," believes this drastic measure could prevent the collapse of the nation's overstressed care industry.

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chopping off elderly patients’ useless limbs could help prevent a potential collapse of super-ageing Japan’s overstressed care industry.

The film adaptation of Kusakabe's 2003 novel, which depicts a young doctor advocating for "Amputation Care (A-care)," has ignited significant controversy since its release in Japan. The book unflinchingly portrays caregiver shortages, overburdened families, and the abuse of elderly patients, themes that resonate even more strongly in present-day Japan, where nearly one-third of the population is aged 65 or older.

Kusakabe, a former geriatric specialist, argues that removing paralyzed limbs would make patients lighter and easier for caregivers to handle, thereby reducing the risk of injury and burnout. He envisions this as a potential "game changer," provided patients give their consent. The author points out that immobile limbs can be cumbersome, getting caught in clothing and complicating bathing routines, and that their removal could ease the physical strain on caregivers, particularly female ones lifting heavier male patients.

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If you cut them off, a female carer would have less difficulty lifting a hefty male patient or suffer less back pain.

The proposal gains a chilling relevance when considering Japan's demographic challenges. The government projects a shortfall of approximately 570,000 caregivers by 2040. Furthermore, "caregiving murders", homicides committed by overwhelmed caregivers, are a recurring issue, with one investigation revealing such tragedies occurring roughly every two weeks. Kusakabe suggests that if homicides or abuse incidents escalate, amputation of useless limbs might emerge as a conceivable, albeit extreme, option.

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Japan’s caregiving industry isn’t collapsing yet – but with (the number of) elderly people requiring care predicted to keep increasing, it is heading towards breaking point.

While some critics have labeled the idea "ruthless and unethical," others acknowledge a potential, albeit disturbing, logic. The novel also suggests that patients themselves might benefit, finding relief from chronic pain and newfound agility after amputation. Kusakabe's controversial proposition forces a confrontation with the grim realities and potential future strains on Japan's aging society and its care infrastructure.

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I think it’s possible that chopping off useless limbs would emerge as an option.